The Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU) has honoured President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with its prestigious Shield Award for his commitment to the welfare and interests of Nigerian workers.

The award, described as the union’s highest honour, was presented to the President as part of activities marking the 114th anniversary of the NCSU in Abuja.

The honour was received on behalf of the President by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Olorogun Festus Keyamo (SAN), at an event held at Merit House, Abuja.

The union’s National President, Comrade Oluwole Sunday, led the presentation, alongside the immediate past President, Comrade Lawrence Ameachi, who served as Chairman of the occasion; Chairman of the Federal Council, Comrade Adoga Gupada; and Assistant General Secretary, Comrade Yildet Bigwan.

In conferring the award, Sunday described President Tinubu as a “true shield of the Nigerian worker”, citing what the union described as his policies and interventions aimed at improving workers’ welfare.

The union said the President’s interventions had boosted morale within the civil service and demonstrated concern for the well-being of workers across the country.

The NCSU, which has 84 affiliates, is the oldest trade union in Nigeria, with a history dating back more than a century and predating the country’s independence. The union is also known for its historical role in challenging British colonial authorities in defence of Nigerian workers.

Speaking after receiving the award, Keyamo expressed appreciation for the recognition from the union, stressing its historical significance to the Nigerian labour movement.

He said the President had demonstrated concern for workers’ welfare by responding to issues brought before him by workers and government officials.

The Minister cited the recent approval of N36 billion for the settlement of outstanding obligations to former aviation workers, saying payment was already at the final stage.

He also disclosed that President Tinubu had approved a new salary structure for workers of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), resolving a relativity issue that had remained unresolved for more than 15 years.

According to Keyamo, the approval followed representations made to the President over the disparity in the remuneration of NiMet workers compared with other workers performing similar functions within the aviation sector.

He said the President had also demonstrated his commitment to workers through the signing of a new minimum wage in 2024 and the reduction of the statutory minimum wage review cycle from five years to three years.

Keyamo said the new review cycle would pave the way for negotiations on a fresh minimum wage in 2027.

The Minister, who was also recognised by the union for his solidarity with Nigerian workers, said the welfare of employees remained important to his ministry, particularly in the aviation sector.

He said it was unfair for workers to be neglected while senior management enjoyed benefits and perks, stressing the need for greater attention to the welfare of employees.

The Minister said the struggle to improve workers’ welfare remained ongoing, adding that the government would continue to address issues affecting Nigerian workers.